Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full

Weeks of Welcome

The years just come faster and faster each time. It feels like not long ago since we did our last sprint for the beginning of the year. If you've read any of my previous August blogs, or been in campus ministry, you'll probably know that the beginning of the year is the busiest time of the whole year. The pace of the year is set by what we choose to do and what we fail to do in this crucial time. Our aim is to bring the light of Christ to the campus. This isn't just about "salvations", it's about life to the full. Not just about a decision made in college, but also the decades after. And for all the freshmen just arriving on campus, it starts now. So every single day for two weeks, we set up on campus, whether it's an event or just going to the dining hall. Over the course of those two weeks, thousands of students come and meet us. And though only a fraction will choose to stay, we hope that each one will remember that they had a fun memory in college because some Christians chose to be there for them. 

The Grove

It all culminates with our opening night of the Grove. This ends our intense weeks of outreach and signal the beginning of our season of discipleship. Cores will start this next week as well. And every year, our students get bolder and bolder in asking people to study the Bible one-on-one with them from the very beginning. It's such an exciting time because we have no idea who is going to say yes. As Jesus invited widely and called many to follow him, so we do too. But oftentimes we don't know who is going to be the ones to answer his call. So, we ask everyone! So many surprising people show up who I don't expect, people who seemed to cool to come, people who are wrestling with God, people who are just beginning their seeking journey for Jesus. If I were to predict who would come and who wouldn't, I'd have a terrible track record. But we see from Jesus' ministry that he invited many, and it wasn't the religious leaders who followed, it wasn't the rich ruler who had kept all the commands, it was fishermen, rich tax collectors, and violent zealots, and others who responded and became the pillars of the church. Praise God that he sees the heart, we just need to be faithful!

Thank You 

As hard as these weeks are, as draining as they can be, it's all worth it because of who Jesus is and what he has done for these students. Thank you all so much for supporting me that I can do this work and be a part of influencing a generation to live like him. 

One more additional piece of news: Emily is pregnant! Number two is on the way, due in late February, and it's a girl! Prayers for the school year and for this pregnancy are very needed. Excited to welcome another addition to the family and navigate what ministry and two kiddos looks like!